The Jazz got great recommendations from his Roanoke coaches, however, so they tuned out whatever else was being said and gave him a chance.

One 10-day contract in January led to another in February. Then, on March 4, after exploring other options, the Jazz signed Moore for the season's remainder.

He's fit in ever since and lately has been used increasingly, especially with starting power forward Tom Gugliotta struggling.

"It doesn't matter who it is," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "When a guy does have a little success . . . we try to get back to him and see if he can move forward. Mikki's done okay.

"I think he's a little bit more-determined now and has a little bit better feel of what we're doing," added Sloan, whose club is fighting Denver and Portland for the NBA's eighth and final Western Conference playoff position. "I will say this on his behalf: He's probably picked up our offense better than anybody in a short period of time."

Sloan's praise for anyone is typically tempered, so Moore takes whatever kind words he does hear as a sign of acceptance unlike any he has had recently elsewhere in the NBA.

"The coach has confidence in me," said Moore, who also had seven points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes vs. the Lakers. "You know, it's kind of hard to perform to your highest ability when you have a coach that doesn't believe in you and . . . is spitting negative things at all times.

"Coach Sloan, he's gonna say a few words to you for doing bad. But, at the same time, he's gonna pat you on your butt and tell you he knows you can do better. That's what motivates you."

Jazz management also likes Moore's contributions.

In fact, senior vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor said Tuesday he will not rule out the possibility — depending on the franchise's other summer moves — of Moore returning next season.

If not here, it seems Moore has earned a shot somewhere.

Not that anything's guaranteed.

Like Arroyo and Bell — and NBA vets Darrell Armstrong and David Wesley of the Hornets, for that matter — Moore was never drafted.

He is in a category of players Chiesa might call "the interchangeables."

"One-third of the players in the NBA you can easily flip-flop with guys in the NBDL, guys playing in Europe and CBA guys," the Jazz assistant said. "One-third of the league. A hundred guys, you can flip-flop."

Identifying only those who can perform above-and-beyond when needed most narrows the field greatly.

Still, lately, Moore makes that cut too.

"Absolutely," Chiesa said. "He can play in the league. He's proven with the Jazz he can be a very-valuable NBA contributor."

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com